Karen is cycling at night to help older people

Karen Honeysett is taking part in the London Nightrider 2012 and fundraising for All Souls Clubhouse.

Karen Honeysett who works at All Souls Clubhouse is taking part in a 100k night-time cycle ride around London. The Nightrider will take place overnight on 9 and 10 June where 3,000 fundraisers will be cycling in aid of 250 different charitable causes.
Karen, 32, is fundraising for Clubcare a project run by the Clubhouse, a Christian community centre and church in Fitzrovia.
"ClubCare exists to provide support to older people in our community when they need it," explains Karen.

“This might be something as simple as changing a light bulb, or getting some shopping when they are unwell. Or perhaps taking someone along to a local activity that they are unable to get to alone. Many older people in Fitzrovia live far away from family, and have no-one to call on when they need a hand, so we aim to be that support to them. We also love just to pop in and see people for a chat over a cup of tea!

Karen is an experienced cyclist but this is the first time she attempted an event like this. “I completed the London to Brighton ride several years ago, but have never cycled that far at night. I use a Boris Bike around Fitzrovia every day, but this is a little bit more of a challenge,” says Karen.

She will start the ride at Crystal Palace in south London and cycle an anti-clockwise route passing through Greenwich, Alexandra Palace then returning south through Hampstead, the West End across the river to Battersea and returning to her start point at Crystal Palace.

Karen expects to take between six and eight hours to complete the ride. “I’m starting just before midnight, so hope to finish in time for breakfast,” she tells us.

Karen enjoys cycling in London. “Cycling is a fantastic way to get around London — you see so much more of the city than you do on the tube, and it’s free! Many people are put off by the busy roads, but there are lots of cycle lanes now and if you are aware of the traffic and cycle safely then it is a great way to get about. And you don’t even need your own bike – there are many docking stations for the Barclays Cycle hire bikes here in Fitzrovia.”